From: Michael Lorrey (retroman@tpk.net)
Date: Tue Mar 18 1997 - 16:37:29 MST
Robert Schrader wrote:
>
> Awhile back, someone - I forget who - made the comment that the only
> way to really erase data was with thermite. I'm not sure if the comment
> was indended literally, but...
>
> Basic thermite is just a combination of aluminum powder and iron oxide.
> ( hydroxide? I forget ) Sounds pretty similar to the composition of the
> platter itself. Is it possible to make a platter of cast thermite?
>
> If so, this opens up new horizons for really secure data.
>
> The microproccesor in the drive mechanism could be instructed to ask
> for a key at start-up. If it doesn't get it, it refuses to seek data.
> If it gets several consecutive bad keys, it ignites the disk.
>
> It should be possible to rig a dead-man switch so that the case cannot be
> forced open without turning the platter into molten slag.
>
> For the really paranoid, a cmos clock chip and battery could be added
> internally. If a period of several days goes by without the microprocessor
> getting the key, it ignites the disk. ( Of course the time period should
> be programmable so that one can take vacations )
>
> Robert Schrader rms@cts.com
Here's a more "active" approach: Have a small canister of 90% pure H202
(hydrogen peroxide) that sprays onto the disk when it ignites.
--
TANSTAAFL!!!
Michael Lorrey
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#!/usr/local/bin/perl-0777---export-a-crypto-system-sig-RC4-3-lines-PERL
@k=unpack('C*',pack('H*',shift));for(@t=@s=0..255){$y=($k[$_%@k]+$s[$x=$_
]+$y)%256;&S}$x=$y=0;for(unpack('C*',<>)){$x++;$y=($s[$x%=256]+$y)%256;
&S;print pack(C,$_^=$s[($s[$x]+$s[$y])%256])}sub S{@s[$x,$y]=@s[$y,$x]}
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